Farmers affected by mental health issues are encouraged to look for help

THOSE farmers going through a tough time have been encouraged to seek help as World Suicide Prevention Day gets underway on Tuesday (Sept 10).
The worldwide initiative, which takes place on 10 September ever year, aims to shine a spotlight on action to prevent suicide.

One person takes their own life every 40 seconds and more people die by suicide every year than in war, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said today.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is using this day to urge farmers and farm workers battling with mental health difficulties to seek help.
Levels of depression within the industry are thought to be increasing in the UK and suicide rates, particularly for males under 40, are among the highest in any occupational group.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has identified stress, depression and anxiety as some the main causes of work-related ill health for farmers.

FUW President, Glyn Roberts, said: “Poor mental health is an issue that affects the farming community greatly and it is well known that loneliness and social isolation can lead to mental health problems.
The FUW understands that failing to deal with poor mental wellbeing could have serious consequences and lead to the farm running inefficiently, a serious injury, relationship breakdowns, poor physical health and even worse, it could lead to suicide.”

He added that everyone can make a contribution in preventing suicide and believes that it is by joining together, those suffering can be better supported.

“Suicidal behaviour is universal and it knows no boundaries. It can affect anyone and therefore we all have a role to play to collectively address the challenges. Of course, preventing suicide often requires the efforts of many, like family, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, healthcare professionals, and governments.
We must remember that every life lost represents someone’s partner, child, parent, friend or colleague. For each suicide there are countless other people who suffer intense grief,” Mr Roberts said.

The overall illness rate for agricultural workers, which includes stress, depression and anxiety, is 46 percent higher than the industry average.
There is help available with rural-based charities such as the Farming Community Network, the DPJ Foundation and Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) helping farmers who are suffering from mental health difficulties.

Bus pass users beware

USERS of concessionary bus passes in Wales are being made aware of an important change to the scheme.

Holders will need to reapply for their passes before Tuesday, 31 December this year when their current pass will expire and all current green-coloured passes will be accepted up to that date. New-style ‘Concessionary Travel Cards’ are being introduced as a replacement, Transport for Wales has announced.

From now, users can reapply on the website: www.tfw.wales/travelcards from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Those without website access or unsure about using a computer are advised to ask a family member, friend or someone they trust to apply on their behalf.

For those still unable to perform the process electronically, Pembrokeshire County Council will be arranging a drop-in session in November where they will be taken through the process. Details of when and where will appear in due course.

Card users are advised to apply for their new-style card in plenty of time before the end of the year to ensure they can continue to receive the benefits of concessionary travel.

The old-style cards will not be recognised by electronic readers on buses in the New Year and the new-style cards offer the same free travel rights and benefits as the current cards and are designed to work as part of an integrated travel network in the future.

Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training (HCT) continue to support their learners in skill competitions across the UK. The latest success story is Bayley Harries, who recently qualified as a Level 2 hairdresser.

In June, Bayley competed in the Regional Heats (Wales) of the World Skills UK Hairdressing competition in Weston Super Mare. Due to her impressive performance, she earned a place at the grand final of the World Skills UK Live event, which will take place at the Birmingham NEC from 21 to 23 November 2019.

During her time at HCT, Bayley has succeeded in an all-Wales hairdressing skills competition as well as achieving great success at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in 2017 and 2018.

All staff and fellow learners at HCT would like to congratulate Bayley in her most recent success and wish her all the best in Birmingham in November.

Hairdressing tutor at Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training, Carys Randell, said “I am very proud of Bayley and how far she has come. The standard of the hairdressers in these competitions is very high, and she has achieved so much. I look forward to supporting her in the final.”

Catrin Miles is the Cabinet member responsible for Learning Services and Life-long learning. She said, “It’s fantastic to see students like Bayley succeeding and being able to display their talent and hard work through competitions like these. HCT is a very important place for young people to have these opportunities to learn, to compete and to excel. I wish Bayley the very best for the final competition in November.”

HCT offers a range of vocational courses for people of all ages including Hairdressing, Childcare, Business Administration, Information Technology, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrics, Blacksmithing, Agriculture, Motor Mechanics, and Welding.

For more information, visit their Facebook page by visiting Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training or visit their website: http://www.ceredigiontraining.co.uk/home.